Getting the most out of your Bible-reading

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

The Bible has touched the lives of people more than any other book in existence. If you don’t know anything about the Bible, it is ignorance you can ill afford. You don’t have to be a scholar to understand this book.

God gave the Bible for ordinary people, and when you read the text and apply it to your life, God guides, enriches and challenges you to fulfill His purpose. The following suggestions may help you get more out of your Bible-reading:

Guideline 1: Read with understanding. Pay attention to what you are reading. If your mind wanders, read the text out loud.

Guideline 2: Interpret what you read in light of other Scripture verses. That’s also where the context comes into the picture. Ask yourself, “Who wrote this, and to whom is it directed?”

Guideline 3: Resource books are good but should not be a susbstitute for the Bible itself. One of the most helpful resources is a little book that’s been with us for a long time, known as Halley’s Bible Handbook. When you are stumped, it often explains clearly what the passage is about. But remember, what people say the Bible says sometimes isn’t the same as what it actually says.

Guideline 4: Read with intelligence. Ask three questions of what you read: (1) What does it say? Rephrase it in your own words. (2) What does it mean? A rule of thumb is that it means what it says. Remember, God didn’t give the text to confuse you but to enlighten you. (3) How can I apply this to my personal life?

Guideline 5: Read with faith. Paul told the Romans, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17 kjv).

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room fo them at the inn. Luke 2:4-7